Coast Guard assists tug and tow in Gulf of Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Coast Guard Sector Anchorage personnel are coordinating a response with Royal Dutch Shell representatives after the tugboat Aiviq experienced multiple engine failures while towing the mobile drilling unit Kulluk approximately 50 miles south of Kodiak Island Friday.

The crew of the Aiviq reported that they were able to restart one of the ships engines and is currently awaiting assistance from the crews of the response vessels Guardsman and the Nanuq, which departed Seward and are expected on-scene early Friday afternoon.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley is currently on scene and monitoring the situation.

“Our primary concern is ensuring the safety of the personnel aboard the Aiviq and Kulluk,” said Capt. Paul Mehler III, commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. “We are working closely with industry representatives to provide assistance and to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”